Much-changed Bangor University side achieve fantastic win away to previously unbeaten Manchester

Mancbester University 3rds 0
Bangor University 2

Despite being without a number of regulars Bangor still came away with an outstanding victory from their trip to previously unbeaten and third-placed Manchester.

The Welsh squad travelled with only 14 players, giving out five debuts in what was expected to be an extremely difficult match.

From the first whistle both sides wanted to make their mark, Bangor setting up with a new formation designed to make the most of the team’s pace and threat on the break.

Going into the first 10 minutes Bangor looked to start with intensity and created lots of chances while playing in an unfamiliar formation.
With balls being put in the box and chances being created, no breakthrough could be found until midway through the first half thanks to a long distance Freya Davies effort that looped over the goal keeper. Freya represents Trearddur Bay in the North Wales Women’s League.

Leading 1-0 entering the second half, Bangor knew all was still all to play for and Manchester 3’s proved them right.

The visitors pressed and played with an intensity that could only be matched a terrific team performance.

Top class saves from Mia Gleave, the in-form goalkeeper coming off a great game against Sheffield Hallam, and a phenomenal display from Kiera Green, playing in a new CDM position in her first 90 minute appearance. were among the highlights.

Kiera managed to shut down any dangerous opportunities being created by a strong and determined Manchester attack and made a huge difference to the team.

The game was put further out of Manchester’s reach near the 60=minute mark when on-fire striker Shannon Jade Jones of CPD Merched y Felinheli broke though the defence and calmly slotted home her 10th goal in 4 games for the university team.

With players tiring and substitutions being made, Bangor managed to hold off the ever present and threatening Manchester attack and register a clean sheet, to take their league record to five wins out of five.

Despite winning the game and keeping a clean sheet, the game was undoubtedly one of the toughest so far for this determined team who had clearly taken the words of coach Gwynfor Edwards to heart: “you can’t beat a team that doesn’t give up”.

Coaches player of the match was awarded to goalkeeper Mia Gleave and Players Player of the Match went to Kiera Green.

These were the post-match words of coach Gwynfor: “We knew it was going to be a tough day – even tougher with a handful of players unavailable. but as we know in football- that just leaves opportunities open others to step up and play a bigger part.

“We knew we would always have threat going forward. Shannon is in great form. So we decided to set up to keep them out, and catch them on the break.

“It couldn’t have worked better. not the prettiest of games, but an actual test of discipline and dedication the players passed the test with flying colours.

“All subs had great game time too – the level of intensity was absolutely incredible once again.

“Not without our luck though- Mia in goal had an outstanding performance, and kept us on course with several first class saves.

“To win trophies you sometimes have to learn to win ugly- and get the job done.”